Owen waits on Premier League green light

Michael Owen has expressed his excitement at the chance to revitalise his career at Stoke but is still sweating on Premier League approval for the deal to be pushed through.

Owen's move remains subject to confirmation that the Potters submitted the relevant paperwork prior to Tuesday's 4pm deadline for the player to be signed on a free agent basis.

The uncertainty meant the Premier League were only able to release the official 25-man squads for 19 of the 20 clubs, with the Potters' list still being investigated. Clubs are able to sign free agents outside the transfer window but are only able to field them in the Premier League if they have previously registered fewer than 25 players.

The Premier League said in a statement: "The Premier League board is currently considering an application from Stoke City to register a player and, subsequently, their squad list will be confirmed at a later date."

Owen insisted he was delighted at getting the chance to move to the Britannia Stadium after being released by Manchester United, despite suggestions he had left it late in the hope Liverpool might pounce.

After agreeing a one-year contract, Owen wrote on Twitter: "Delighted to have signed for Stoke subject to Premier League approval.

"We have been in talks for a while and it was a club I was always keen to join.

"I'm particularly excited at the prospect of working under Tony Pulis. He has assembled a great squad that I look forward to joining.

"I'm now looking forward to contributing as much as possible to the club and can't wait to play in front of a great set of supporters.

"Thanks for your kind messages everyone. Can't wait to get going again!"